This seasonal release is possibly the most anticipated of the year from Australian microbreweries, and was one of the only carrots that could have been dangled to get me to drive down Glenferrie Road at 6.30pm just to get to Slowbeer in time to snap up one of these beauties. (And maybe a growler fill. And maybe pick up a couple of extra treats...)
But how to enjoy such a beer? Candle lit dinner (which would probably mean sharing with someone who is entirely undeserving)? On it's own? Compared to some other Belgian Style Dubbels and Tripels? So many tough questions (though really just one question...).
In the end the decision was made that it would be the centerpiece of an evening of beer appreciation with the ever reliable beer appreciator, Rian.
What's that? But don't you guys always have beer appreciation nights? Well nobody asked you, so you should really watch your manners, son (or daughter).
Moving on!
The beer itself pours like a sticky dream (not that kind) and really pours lighter than you might expect, but then before your very eyes it seems to darken in the glass and settle in to a deep ruby red with very little opacity. It has the appearance of a semi precious stone. This may be a redundant comment as I already mentioned it was "ruby red". Forget it.
The Beelzebub's Jewels has been aged in pinot noir barrels and this is evident on the aroma. Straight away the pinot nose comes through as well as a little bit of smokiness.
The initial flavour also highlights the barrel aging with a strong strike of the pinot without ever leaving behind the lovely, sweet malt flavour. With such strong players in this game it's quite a feat to maintain such good balance.
The beastly 12% ABV gives this a hugely warming quality to it that I think everyone knew that it would. The kind of warming that a bearded mountaineer would hope to cling to on that last, hopeless night beside the burnt out camp fire.
I will have to get myself another and put it away for a very special occasion. Maybe a Tuesday.
